AT&T and Zetron team up for integrated PTToC

Zetron has signed an agreement with AT&T to promote integrated broadband Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) solutions.

The agreement will use Zetron dispatch consoles and AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk (EPTT) to deliver seamless communications and bridge the gap between virtually any land mobile radio (LMR) system and AT&T EPTT devices that are operating on a 3G, 4G, LTE or Wi-Fi network.

Zetron said implementing broadband PTT with its consoles will deliver a host of significant features and functionality to customers, allowing new levels of interoperability without any loss of control.

Central dispatch will be able to continue to hear all conversations and capture and record voice traffic, while ensuring that dispatchers are still able to control important operations, such as connecting groups or individual users.

“Broadband PTT is an excellent solution for customers who need to find a cost-effective way to add users, stay connected to users who travel outside the LMR coverage area, add an additional level of redundancy or reduce the traffic load on their existing LMR system,” Zetron VP and General Manager Kathy Broadwell said.

“By integrating AT&T EPTT with Zetron dispatch consoles, our customers can realise these important benefits while still maintaining the command and control necessary for their critical operations.”

The technology provides users with the benefits of a carrier-endorsed solution, including access to customer support and consolidated billing. AT&T EPTT also provides workforce management and administrative tools, quality-of-service (QoS) options such as priority network access and optional capabilities like GPS tracking.

“Organisations are looking beyond traditional two-way radios for communicating across their workforce,” AT&T Enterprise Mobility Executive Director Igor Glubochansky said.

“Users no longer have to choose one communication tool over the other — they can now use both. We’re bridging the gap between traditional LMR systems and cellular PTT to create a more modernised, integrated communication platform.”

In addition, AT&T EPTT is fully carrier-integrated and supports Mission Critical PTT functional architecture. The solution also complies with FIPS 140-2 and the Open Mobile Alliance Push-to-Talk Communications for Public Safety (OMA PCPS) standard.

Customer trials of this joint offering are slated to begin in June 2016.